Machine Learning Engineering Intern (Masters/PhD) - Summer 2027

Location: Los Angeles, USA Department: Riot Game Studios

Machine Learning Engineers at Riot combine expertise in data processing, automation, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and experimentation to develop data-powered products that improve the player experience, protect competitive integrity, and ensure fair play.

As a Machine Learning Engineering Intern, you’ll work with experienced engineers, data scientists, and game or product partners to explore how data and machine learning can support Riot’s games, from shaping engaging player experiences to safeguarding fair and competitive play. You’ll gain exposure to the full ML development cycle, including preparing datasets, engineering features, prototyping models, evaluating results, and communicating findings. You’ll be supported by your team as you learn to build reliable, well-documented solutions.

Potential Responsibilities

Collaborate with machine learning engineers, data scientists, software engineers, and product partners on player- or developer-focused projects.

Prepare, clean, and explore datasets for machine learning and data-powered applications.

Implement feature engineering, modeling, and evaluation approaches under the guidance of experienced team members.

Build prototypes, analyses, visualizations, or internal tools that help teams understand player experiences, product systems, or adversarial behavior.

Apply testing, documentation, and reproducibility practices to code and experiments.

Participate in code reviews, technical discussions, team rituals, and project planning.

Communicate technical findings and tradeoffs to both technical and non-technical collaborators.

Required Qualifications

Graduating in the 2028 calendar year with an MS or PhD.

Currently enrolled in a Computer Science, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Statistics, Mathematics, Engineering, or related quantitative degree program.

Available to work full-time hours for the 12-week internship duration.

Comfortable programming in Python.

Understanding of machine learning fundamentals, statistics, and data structures and algorithms.

Experience working with data using tools such as Python libraries, SQL, or notebooks.

Minimum GPA of 2.5.

Desired Qualifications

Experience building or evaluating machine learning models through coursework, research, internships, or personal projects.

Familiarity with one or more machine learning frameworks or libraries, such as PyTorch, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, or Spark MLlib.

Familiarity with SQL and relational databases.

Experience with data visualization, experiment design, model evaluation, or statistical analysis.

Familiarity with software development practices such as Git, unit testing, functional testing, or continuous integration and deployment.

Experience working with cloud platforms, distributed data systems, or model deployment tools.

Portfolio, website, GitHub, research publication, or other collection of original work.

Experience working on a video game or related project, particularly in Unity or Unreal Engine.

An interest in applying machine learning to either enhancing player experiences or to ensuring competitive integrity through cheat detection.

Work Authorization

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States for the duration of the program.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. We do not sponsor visas for this position or internship conversions.

For this role, you’ll find success through craft expertise, a collaborative spirit, and decision-making that prioritizes the delight of players. We’ll consider your studies and experience, as well as your personal relationship with games. If you embody player empathy and care about players’ experiences, this could be the role for you!

Applications close January 4th, 2027

Our Perks

Riot Internships are paid, and interns can also participate in our 401(k) plan. You can expect in-game perks and the ability to participate in our Play Fund, so you can broaden and deepen your knowledge of our players and community through games. The University Programs team also invites you to intern-focused events so you can connect with your fellow interns and Rioters and make the most of your experience.

Riot Games fosters a player and workplace experience that values teamwork embodied by the Summoner’s Code and Community Code. Our culture embraces differences as a strength, and we are committed to promoting a fair and collaborative culture where Rioters treat one another with dignity and respect. We encourage you to read more about our value of thriving together and our ongoing work to build the most inclusive company in gaming.

It’s our policy to provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and members of Riot Games, Inc. Riot Games makes reasonable accommodations for handicapped and disabled Rioters and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, handicap, veteran status, marital status, criminal history, or any other category protected by applicable federal and state law. We consider for employment all qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state and local law, including the California Fair Chance Act, the City of Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance for Employers, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and the Washington Fair Chance Act.

Per the Los Angeles County Fair Chance Ordinance, the following core duties may create a basis for disqualifying candidates with relevant criminal histories:

Safeguarding confidential and sensitive Company data

Communication with others, including Rioters and third parties such as vendors, and/or players, including minors

Accessing Company assets, secure digital systems, and networks

Ensuring a safe inte